July 2023 Newsletter from Rupert Matthews

Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland

To read older newsletters click HERE

 

Keeping us all safe in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland

With councillors and police officers in Leicester's Cossington Park

We rely on the police to keep us safe. But they cannot do their job properly unless they enjoy the trust, confidence and support of us: the public. But this trust and confidence has been slipping. I know that people are disgusted by the dreadful actions of a very few police officers. However, the vast majority are totally committed to keeping us safe. I recognise that many feel that sentencing should be swifter and harsher – but that is not a matter for the police. As Police and Crime Commissioner, I know that the force works long and hard to keep us all safe. They put themselves into the line of danger on a daily basis.

So what are we doing? As my Police and Crime Plan says, we need to concentrate on the things that make our communities safer:

• Visible policing to deter criminals;
• Neighbourhood policing to support local residents and businesses;
• Tackling anti-social behaviour; y Putting resources where they will make the most difference;
• Getting the police into the heart of our communities.

I’m pleased to say that these priorities are working. Leicestershire Police is rated as excellent, even outstanding in some areas. And I know that with your support we will strengthen trust and confidence in the Leicestershire Police.

 

Community Cohesion in Leicester

Being presented with a copy of the Bhagavad Gita

I recently attended the Gita Festival in Leicester and was presented with a copy of the Bhagavad Gita by Swami Shri Gyananand Ji Maharaj. In a diverse city such as Leicester it is important that all our communities are tolerant of each other's traditions and appreciate each other's cultures. I believe in leading from the front and so attend a wide range of events and activities in the city. I am also funding a number of projects aimed at enhancing community cohesion among our diverse cultures. 

                                                                 

New Stop and Search Powers

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Trying out the knife arch in central Leicester

I am delighted to be able to announce a ramping up of stop and search powers for the police to keep the public safe. Protecting law-abiding citizens is my top priority. Any action that can help prevent the tragic loss of life and keep our communities safe is to be welcomed.

Stop and search is a highly effective policing tool helping to rid our streets of dangerous weapons and the scourge of drugs in our communities. The public expect to see police officers taking a strong and robust approach to these problems – and so do I. People across Leicestershire, especially families with young children or teenagers, will welcome these measures.

Of course, I have also put in place measures to maintain the highest ethical standards. Independent scrutiny processes ensure officers act with fairness and integrity at all times in the execution of these powers.

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Community groups share almost £60k

The “People Zones” organised from my office bring together robust police action with co[1]ordinated action by health and welfare services as well as action by local community groups – all to improve security in three of our most deprived areas: Bell Foundry, New Parks and Thringstone & Whitwick.

Over the past few months I have been able to fund projects run by nine voluntary groups to the tune of £60,000 to help prevent crime and anti-social behaviour. Community groups share almost £60k The funding has been awarded to the following organisations or projects delivered in this financial year:

• 10th Loughborough Rainbows and Brownies
• New Parks Men’s Shed
• GNR8
• New Parks Adventure Playground
• White House Allotments
• An Nakhlah Academy
• Charles Booth Centre
• Whitwick Scouts Group

 

TOUGH ACTION ON FLY-TIPPING

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Dealing with fly-tipping at Sapcote with Cllr Ben Taylor and Cllr Mike Shirley

I am backing robust national action to crackdown on fly-tipping and will be looking to launch local initiatives to back this up. Fly-tipping has a serious impact on community life and costs the UK economy millions of pounds every year. We need to send a strong and clear message to offenders that this behaviour will not be tolerated and that the penalties awaiting those caught for such offending are severe.

 

Greeting New Councillors

Meeting some of the new Conservative councillors in the city of Leicester

The local elections in May produced a number of changes across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. I have begun a programme of meeting with new councillors and new council leaders to ensure that I and my office continue to work closely with all elected representatives of the people to keep everyone as safe as possible. 

 

Rural Policing Team recover £1million of stolen property

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On patrol in one of the specially-equipped four-wheel drive Rural Police vans

A specialist team tasked with keeping rural communities across Leicestershire and Rutland safe has hit the £1m mark in stolen property recovery – in just 12 months. I bolstered the force’s Rural Crime Team from three to eight officers last June, allowing the taskforce deliver outstanding results. Our rural communities deserve robust policing, and that is something I have put into sharp focus since I was elected as Commissioner. In June, my Deputy PCC, Rani Mahal, and I attended a national Rural Policing Summit to represent Rutland and to bring back ground-breaking ideas on tackling fly tipping, speeding, farm theft and livestock crime.

 

 

 

£740K to reduce Domestic Abuse

I have secured £741,942 to support the work to stop repeated abuse of victims and vulnerable people. The funding will provide support to victims, but also to work with the perpetrators of domestic violence. I’m clear that prevention of crime is vital. I’m equally clear that reducing domestic abuse and stalking is an absolute must. This money will help us to reduce the number of victims not just now, but in the future, while providing enhanced support for victims and those at risk. Many domestic abusers are repeat offenders, with 83% of male offenders repeating their offences within a six-month period. This makes intervening to stop their pattern of behaviour essential in order to protect victims.

 

CLAMPDOWN ON ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR IN SPINNEY HILL PARK

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I met Inspector Yakub Ismail, Commander for East Leicester, on a visit to Spinney Hill Park to find out how officers are working with partners to combat issues such as public urination, late night noise and drinking/drug taking. When I was elected, I promised to put the hard-working, law-abiding citizen at the heart of my work. I am delighted that the action taken by police and others is tackling ASB in the park.

 

 

You can follow me on Twitter at

https://twitter.com/Rupert_Matthews

On Facebook at

https://www.facebook.com/RupertMatthewsPCC

Or on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/matthews.rupert

I look forward to seeing you all soon.

With best wishes, 

 

 

Rupert Matthews

Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland

 

 

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Promoted by Adrian Thompson on behalf of Rupert Matthews, both of LCCA, 18 Pinfold Gate, Loughborough LE11 1BE